The Top Choice for a City Getaway Right at Your Doorstep! Take You Inside the Guangzhou Shangri-La!
After a long time without being able to travel far, even venturing out of the province or city feels a bit nerve-wracking. But staying home and eating from the pantry every day was getting a bit stifling, so I couldn't wait to continue my "find a hotel and live elsewhere" indulgence plan.
This time, it was once again the Guangzhou Shangri-La, which has never let me down.
During the pandemic, four advantages made it almost impossible to refuse: a huge garden plus outdoor activity space, ensuring social distance and a sense of spaciousness; an international luxury brand with professional, meticulous, and consistent service; eight restaurants with quality verified by Guangzhou foodies; and prices so much better than pre-pandemic times that it would be a loss not to go!
This trip, I teamed up with my younger sister, the professional foodie "Honeysuckle" Jessica, to take you on an in-depth exploration of Guangzhou Shangri-La in the name of a "girlfriends' getaway."
Those of you who've been following Huahua's posts might remember that during Chinese New Year this year, I also stayed at the Guangzhou Shangri-La's Horizon Club—which is basically the hotel's executive floor. The perks of staying on a luxury hotel's executive floor are obvious:
* Fewer guests, so greater privacy and security;
* VIP-level treatment, with more prestigious service;
* 24-hour access to the executive lounge for food and drinks, well worth the price!
The Horizon Club at Guangzhou Shangri-La is on the hotel's top floors. If you see a long queue at the lobby for check-in, just tell the lobby staff you're a Horizon Club guest, and someone will escort you to swipe your card and take the elevator straight up to the 34th-floor "Horizon Club Lounge"—no need to queue at all.
Guangzhou Shangri-La's Horizon Club Lounge has a dedicated service counter. Last time I stayed, I followed the staff's detailed guidance, submitted my documents, sipped tea, and waited for my room card—everything was smooth and easy.
This time, since the lobby wasn't crowded, I got my room card on the ground floor in about three minutes! The staff warmly saw us to the elevator, and I felt my vacation was starting with a truly prestigious touch.
That previous stay with my husband was in a Horizon Club river-view king room. Here's a refresher of what it looked like:
This time, Honeysuckle and I stayed in a Horizon Club river-view twin room on the 31st floor. The décor style is very similar to other Shangri-La hotels I've visited in different cities—classic, grand luxury with Chinese elements woven in.
The space is well-proportioned and rationally laid out, not exaggeratedly large, but never feels cramped. It's definitely one of those rare city hotel rooms that gives you enough breathing room.
Being on a high floor, it's hard not to rush to the window the moment you step in. The river view here is truly an unobstructed 180 degrees; this stretch of the Pearl River reveals a precious tranquility and greenery on both banks.
The vanity table by the window is my favorite. Doing makeup while gazing at the river—natural light plus the makeup lamp makes the look even better!
The minibar in Shangri-La rooms is always noteworthy. I especially love their tea set. I first encountered it in Chengdu and was blown away—a vintage-style teapot and a pair of Chinese teacups nestled in a charming cotton-lined wicker basket, accompanied by an introduction to Chinese tea and a pack of fragrant jasmine tea waiting in the pot. Boil water, brew tea, and without many words, enjoy a moment of peace as soon as you enter.
A capsule coffee machine, various tea bags and instant coffee, and a welcome fruit platter are all provided. Soft drinks in the minibar fridge, complimentary on the first round as with many luxury five-star brands, are also thoughtfully prepared.
I must mention the in-room entertainment system: a monthly rotation of 100 full-HD (1080P) Hollywood and other popular movies to watch at leisure (the TV is finally not just a decoration). High-speed broadband and wireless internet are also free for guests.
The bathroom, with white marble and golden lighting, is pure Shangri-La luxury style. The bathtub is generously sized, and the shower has massage jets.
What I absolutely adore is the Shangri-La's nationwide standard Horizon Club amenities—the L'Occitane Grasse Jasmine collection. I really, really, really, really love this scent! It's highly moisturizing without being sticky, so on a scorching summer day, you'll be a walking bloom of opulence!
If you're bringing kids, the family-friendly room setup is thoughtfully done. Super Wings are old friends of Shangri-La, and the whole room is filled with cute cartoon designs. From the spacious, soft bed to the throw pillows, carpet, tableware, wash bag, slippers, and bathrobe—Super Wings elements abound. A play tent full of childlike fun, a rocking horse, and a flying chess carpet mean the little ones could happily entertain themselves all day! Our own fans also enjoy an exclusive welcome candy platter; looking at these adorably cute shapes, even Huahua can't bear to take a bite! The Balala the Fairies theme is a new Shangri-La upgrade! After seeing it, Huahua can only sigh—kids might find it childish, but for adults it's just perfect, unleashing a burst of pink girlish delight. The room also has a little fairy makeup table prepared for princesses, sparkling princess dresses, and cute accessories, all free to use after check-in. It's practically a chance to snap a set of playful photo portraits.
During my last in-depth Guangzhou Shangri-La tour, I once mentioned: a die-hard hotel enthusiast friend, upon learning I'd gone for a Guangzhou Shangri-La staycation, started pestering me, saying she heads there from time to time too—"Mainly to eat," she said. That just shows how outstanding the dining is at this Shangri-La in the heart of a food capital, where cuisine takes center stage.
Curious about what's worth dining on at Guangzhou Shangri-La? Follow Huahua and check out the next guide!
